Nagaland’s Better Life Foundation among global winners at responsible tourism award.
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DIMAPUR — The Better Life Foundation (BLF), Nagaland, has brought pride to India and the northeast by securing second place in the category of peace, understanding and inclusivity at the ICRT Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 ceremony, sponsored by Sabre, held on November 3 in London, United Kingdom.
An update from the organisation stated that BLF was among 30 organisations from around the world including community-based tourism initiatives, cultural centres, conservation projects and sustainable travel enterprises recognised for their innovative contributions to responsible tourism.
It stated that BLF’s peace building and culture-centred tourism model was commended for its transformative impact. The foundation works to build trust and reconciliation through regenerative farming, later integrating tourism initiatives where former insurgents are trained as local guides—turning fear into shared pride and livelihood.
It stated that the Global Responsible Tourism Awards celebrate initiatives from across continents that demonstrate leadership in sustainability, community engagement, inclusivity and positive transformation through tourism. Each of the 30 global finalists had previously won gold in their respective regional rounds across Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Speaking on the global recognition, Sethrichem Sangtam, founder-director of BLF, said: “This award is a tribute to the resilience and spirit of the indigenous people of eastern Nagaland. It affirms that peace, when built on mutual trust, shared heritage, and inclusive growth, can transform even the most fragile landscapes into models of hope and harmony.”
Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel and founder of ICRT global said: “Everyone being recognised in this year’s Global Responsible Tourism Awards is doing something remarkable that others can learn from. These are exceptional examples of innovation and creative solutions that the judges hope will inspire and motivate others. Congratulations to each and every organisation involved.”
It mentioned that earlier on September 13, BLF was conferred the Indian subcontinent gold award for responsible tourism by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) and Incredible India under the same category — Peace, Understanding and Inclusivity.
The award ceremony was held at the Yashobhoomi (India International Convention Centre - IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi, where Sethrichem Sangtam received the honour on behalf of the organisation.
A noted social entrepreneur from eastern Nagaland, it stated that Sangtam was also a recipient of the first Rohini Nayyar Prize in 2022 for his outstanding contribution to rural development in India. It stated that by winning the sub-continental regional gold, it qualified BLF to represent the Indian subcontinent at the global level.
It further stated that Better Life Foundation would continue to pioneer peace-driven sustainable development in rural Nagaland through community-based regenerative farming, livelihood creation and cultural tourism initiatives that promote inclusivity and intercultural understanding.